The Lifetime movie “Stalked by My Doctor” plunges into a chilling scenario where the trust expected in a doctor-patient relationship is horrifyingly twisted. The film opens by introducing cardiologist Dr. Albert Beck, portrayed by Eric Roberts, in a rather unflattering light. His initial scene depicts a cringeworthy attempt at dating a younger woman, immediately setting a tone of questionable judgment and unsettling behavior. This quickly escalates when rejection seemingly triggers a dangerous, high-speed car journey, hinting at a deeply unstable psyche beneath the veneer of a respected professional.
The narrative then pivots to high school senior Sophie Green, played by Brianna Chomer, and her boyfriend Ryan. Their youthful joy in celebrating Sophie’s college acceptance is abruptly shattered by a car accident caused by Ryan’s distracted driving. This accident serves as the catalyst that throws Sophie into the path of Dr. Beck. Critically injured with a broken rib threatening her heart, Sophie requires urgent surgery – and Dr. Beck is the cardiologist who steps in to save her life.
However, the movie’s title, “Stalked by My Doctor,” immediately signals that this is no ordinary medical drama. Instead of gratitude and recovery, Sophie finds herself the object of Dr. Beck’s obsessive and dangerous infatuation. The film explores the terrifying premise of a doctor, someone in a position of immense trust and power, exploiting that very trust to prey on a vulnerable patient.
While Eric Roberts’ portrayal of Dr. Beck is undeniably captivating, leaning into the over-the-top aspects of the character, the film struggles with believability. The review points out the jarring disconnect between Dr. Beck’s supposed status as a world-class cardiologist and his utterly irrational and immature behavior. His actions often seem more akin to a petulant child than a sophisticated professional, a critique that highlights a significant flaw in the character’s writing. The infamous bed with restraints in his home further amplifies the unsettling and cartoonish villainy of Dr. Beck, pushing the boundaries of plausibility.
Despite these shortcomings in character depth and realistic motivations, Eric Roberts’ performance is acknowledged as a major draw. He embraces the absurdity of the role, delivering tantrums and pronouncements with relish, making Dr. Beck a bizarrely entertaining character to watch, even if for the wrong reasons. The supporting cast, including Sophie’s somewhat oblivious father, contribute to the overall sense of heightened drama, though sometimes bordering on caricature.
“Stalked by My Doctor” ultimately thrives on its sensational premise and Eric Roberts’ committed performance. It’s a movie that sacrifices nuanced storytelling for dramatic flair, offering a cautionary tale – albeit an exaggerated one – about the potential for abuse of power within the medical field. While not a masterpiece of suspense or psychological thriller, it provides a campy and watchable exploration of the terrifying idea that your doctor could become your stalker.
